Nigerian Soldiers Kill 50 Terrorists, Top ISWAP Commander In North East Operation

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intensified operations in the North-East, neutralising more than 50 terrorists, including a top ISWAP commander, and arresting multiple collaborators across Borno.

This is contained in an operational report made available to journalists on Wednesday.

Military said the major success followed a precision airstrike around Kirta and Arina Ciki, which killed several terrorist commanders, including Khalifa Umar, a member of the ISWAP Shura Council.

The report said that the sustained air offensive had forced insurgents to abandon island enclaves and move towards the mainland under pressure.

The report also said that troops apprehended three suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers and informants, as well as a deserter soldier who absconded with his weapon and was later linked to criminal activities, in separate operations within Maiduguri and surrounding areas,.

It said that items recovered from the suspects include a rifle with magazines, a vehicle, 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and other materials used in supporting terrorist operations.

“Troops also conducted fighting patrols in Kukawa axis, engaging fleeing terrorist scouts and recovering ammunition,” it added.

The North-East theatre remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running counter-terrorism campaign under Operation Hadin Kai.

Over the years, coordinated air and ground offensives have targeted ISWAP and JAS enclaves across the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa axis.